Within seconds, everyone is talking at once, and I realize they aren't staring at Letty. They're all staring at the heaping dishes she's setting up buffet-style.
I push my way to the front of the room, lingering at the table beside her. I'm so close, I see the way her hands shake like she's nervous. She quickly busies herself, fussing with a tray like she doesn't want me to notice, but it's too late for that.
"Let me introduce you," I mutter.
She jerks when my hand lands on her elbow, then nods once.
I place two fingers in my mouth, blasting a sharp whistle across the mess hall. Everyone falls silent again.
"This is Letty Alvarez, our new cook," I say, raising my voice. "Letty, this is everyone."
"Um…hi?" she squeaks, giving everyone an awkward wave.
"Hey, Letty!" they all roar back.
"We love you, Letty!" someone shouts from the back. I don't see who, but I shoot a dark look back there anyway, earning scattered laughter from the men.
"You treat her with respect, or you're out of here," I remind everyone.
"I made you tacos," she says, her voice soft. "And churros for dessert. You can help yourself."
I snatch her out of the way just in time to avoid the stampede.
"Oh. Oh, wow," she says, gaping in shock before she laughs a little. "They must be hungry."
"They've been working all day."
"Oh." She smiles up at me, and for once, there's not a hint of annoyance on her face, just genuine pleasure, as if she's happy that they're happy. "What about you?"
"I'll eat once they do."
"Is that how you normally do it?"
I jerk my chin in a nod. "I've got my own place and the ability to cook for myself. Most of them live in the bunkhouses. Those of us with the ability and resources to cook usually hang back to make sure those who don't eat first. If we run out, we fend for ourselves."
"Oh," she whispers. "Well, I'm pretty sure I overprepared, so there should be plenty."
"Don't count on it, Sunshine." I nod at the men piling their plates high. "These motherfuckers haven't had a decent meal in months. They're going to gorge themselves tonight."
"What have they been eating?"
"Abel's been cooking." I point him out. "At least, he calls it cooking. Sometimes, it's edible. Most of the time, it's burned stew."
She laughs quietly. "Well, I'll mark stew off the menu then."
"Good idea. You should head back to the kitchen."
"What? Why?" She crosses her arms, scowling at me. "Jesus, Walker. I'm not going to cause a riot just because I'm out here."
"That's not—"
"Honestly, I don't even know why I bother with you!" she huffs, throwing her arms up before she stomps away, mad as hell all over again.
This time, I'm not even entirely sure what I did. I just wanted her to take a break after spending the last few hours working. Is that a goddamn crime?
Apparently so.
"Here."
